Life is a series of lessons. There have been a great many over the years. The truly eloquent have far better described the challenge of making mistakes and learning. Someone said that "you must learn from the mistakes of others—you will never live long enough to make them all yourself.” The folks that strive for clarity in such matters document that this has been variously attributed over the years. But, it looks like it was first stated in a 1932 publication.
Without getting bogged down in the source, the lesson is critical. There are human mistakes. We are hearing about potentials this week. Some are questioning why the state's emergency siren system was not engaged in the midst of the horrific firestorm recently. As National Public Radio (NPR) discusses, there is disagreement as to whether they would have or could have made a difference. That is an interesting discussion. The end of which might be: how could trying them have hurt?
There is discussion of why the text-alert system was deployed as late in the process as it was. CNN reports that one resident reported being already in his vehicle and evacuating by the time his cell phone alerted.
"'There wasn't really an evacuation notice for us,' Millington said. The real warning, he said, came from the 'huge plume of black smoke' in the sky over Lahaina."
That man (and his dog) are survivors because of their opportunity to be aware (visual) and the personal decision to evacuate. There is a lesson there. You have to look out for you.
The New York Times has noted that Hawaiians are troubled by the speed of the response. It explains that FEMA "is not meant to be the first on the scene." There is truth in that. Government is ponderous, assessment is challenging, and mobilization takes time. And, there are virtually always complaints about reactions to disasters. This event is no different. If you have never been in a disaster zone, bless you. If you have been, you can identify with the feelings of those in Hawaii who are facing loss this week.
We have a saying in Florida, "The first 72 is on you." I think it is catchy and very informative. We are not alone in using it. Arizona and Kentucky reference it, I am sure there are others. The bottom line of which we are repeatedly reminded is that we cannot look to government for sustenance in the first 72 hours after any disaster. We have to be able to fend for ourselves. There is a lesson there.
Despite that, there are outcomes that are total devastation in which no amount of personal preparedness may ever be enough. But, when people lose everything, there is power in the fact that neighbors often do not. When you are blessed to find yourself ok after a disaster, donate those preparedness supplies of sustenance to your neighbors that are less fortunate. Until government does arrive, there is much we can do for each other.
Tourists. There is a great variety of fantastic things to see in this country. There are interesting places, intriguing people, and more. Travel is a great pass time. But, the scene of a disaster is not a place for gawkers and hawkers. When disaster strikes, there is much to do for those who are in its wake. There is property destruction and worse there is loss of life. No one needs you to rubberneck at their car accident and they do not need you driving or walking through the destruction from a storm or similar.
Tourists in the wake of a disaster are a distraction. Stay home. If you happen to be a tourist visiting when the disaster strikes, you become a potential victim just like the residents. In that instance, you are just as likely to need assistance, less likely to be prepared for the disaster, and absolutely welcome to the shelters, services, and other responses. But, if you are not present when the disaster strikes, stay home (the exception is disaster response, see below).
For one, you may be increasing the load on local resources. You may be congesting roads that are needed for emergency response. You may be making the victims more uneasy and troubled as they strive to find some degree of peace and quiet in which to assess and accept their circumstances. They do not need you gawking.
"But I want to help." That is a fine sentiment. There are lots of ways to help. That does not require a disaster. A multitude of organizations prepare for and deploy to such disasters. They are always seeking help. They are trained and will train you as well. Get involved in your community and find such organizations. Volunteer. In the wake of a storm or disaster, you can be part of their response. They know how to get in, deliver, and yet stay out of the way. They are numerous and amazing. Find one and be involved.
What are the lessons of Lahaina? Know that the lessons will take time to assimilate. There will be a great many questions asked. That will come in time. But, for now, there is recovery to be organized, resources to be marshaled, and literally lives to be saved. There is research supporting that post-disaster stress can contribute to an ongoing risk to health, and perhaps to an increased rate of death. There is stress today in Hawaii. It will remain for weeks to come. For some it will last a lifetime. The last thing Hawaiians need today is more stress.
The lessons? Be prepared. You know your environment. Whether earthquake, hurricane, tornado or otherwise, there are risks. Know them. Prepare yourself for the first 72 (canned goods, bottled water, medications, phone charger, etc.). Have your important papers centralized/organized and ready for an evacuation. Be vigilant. That is easier with most hurricanes, it is a blessing to have a warning. Know that you may not get a warning (tornados, firestorms, earthquake).
Look out for you. When there is a threat, begin your reaction. You may not get the warning or specific instructions you want from official sources. Your phone alert, television announcement, or siren may not come. Pay attention and be alert. When there is a threat, if you can do so without personal harm or great risk, reach out to those around you in such circumstances. Encourage neighbors and others to heed the dangers.
In the midst of Lahaina coverage, we are entering the height of the Atlantic hurricane season. Each spring I write here to remind us all to prepare. The next several weeks are a time of angst and stress for all of us in the potential pathways, from Brownsville, Texas up the coast to Manhattan, there are potentials for landfall. Sure, it is more likely in some areas than others. But if you are in Florida, it is well past time for you to pay attention.
Make your plan. Discuss your potential reactions. Watch the news and NOAA. If you get the order to evacuate, go. If you are blessed to avoid any impacts, reach out in an appropriate manner to those who were affected. There are lessons from Lahaina. The most important is that surprises happen, tragedies occur, and in the end, we need to be conscious of threats, our preparedness, and each other.
